Reds agree to minor league deal with Cuban shortstop

The Associated Press

CHICAGO — The Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a minor league contract with Cuban free agent shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez.

The Reds announced the agreement after Monday’s loss to the Chicago Cubs. He will start playing in the Dominican Summer League.

The 22-year-old Rodriguez is the third free agent from Cuba to sign with the Reds since 2010, joining former closer Aroldis Chapman and pitcher Raisel Iglesias.

Rodriguez was the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year and won the equivalent of a gold glove in Cuba’s Serie Nacional. He batted .265 with 12 stolen bases in 16 attempts in 84 games for La Isla De La Juventud.

“Our whole group that scouted Aroldis and Raisel also saw Alfredo,” senior director of amateur scouting Chris Buckley said.

“We all think he’s an everyday shortstop with a chance to play plus defense. He’s a very smooth defensive infielder, a good line-drive bat and a plus runner. We were impressed with his all-around defensive actions. It’s very hard to find an everyday shortstop who we liked everything about.”

The Associated Press